OUR illustration represents an old building which stood a few years ago at the angle formed by the junction of Newhall Street, and what was once Old-Edmund Street. Many will remember its ruinous condition at the time our sketch was taken (1881); though few, perhaps, know that it may be considered the birthplace of Birmingham Art, or in what way it has gained this appellation.
Here, at the beginning of the present century, Joseph Barber, assisted by his two sons, opened the first Art School in the town; and under him many distinguished painters and engravers, 1 among them David Cox, Thomas, Creswick, R. A., J. T. Wilmore, R. A., John Pye, Thomas Baker, F. H. Henshaw, J. T. Hill, D. R. Hill, J. P. Pettitt, and T. Radcliffe, received their first Art lessons. At about the same time Joseph Vincent Barber, one of the sons, in addition to his duties at his father's school, conducted the drawing class at the Grammar School, New Street.
Some few yards nearer Great Charles Street used to stand another building, wherein Samuel Lines (still reverently spoken of as Mr. Lines) held his classes. The room itself was over Mr. Mappin's shop, which stood where Cornwall Street now joins Newhall Street; it is shown in the sketch. Most of the names given above are down in Mr. Lines' register, and in addition were T. Garner, W. Green, W. Wyon, R. A., Josiah Allen, J. B. Allen, T. Underwood, etc. Our second master, Mr. Jackson, was also a pupil of Mr. Lines, but after he had removed his school" to Temple Row.
